Banff and Canmore to host the 2014 Alberta Winter Games

Government of Alberta news release

In 2014, Alberta’s best young athletes will gather in the picturesque Rocky Mountains for the 20th Alberta Winter Games. The communities of Banff and Canmore will jointly host Alberta’s largest multi-sport competition.


“Over the last four decades, the Alberta Games have served as a springboard for athletes’ future success in sport and in life,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.  “Not only do we get to cheer on the next generation of emerging Alberta athletes, but at this event we will also celebrate the tremendous spirit and hospitality which is so alive in our mountain communities.”
Athletes ranging in age from 11 to 17 will compete in traditional winter sports, as well as various indoor sports such as volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics and wrestling.  The number of participants is similar to an Olympic Winter Games, with more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials taking part.

“Hosting the Alberta Winter Games will enable Banff and Canmore to showcase their amazing sport and recreation facilities to athletes across the province,” said Kay Kenny, Chair of the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. “With their previous success hosting numerous winter sport and other major events, I am very confident that this will be a great experience for both the communities and the athletes and their supporters during the Games.”

The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation operates the Alberta Games on behalf of the Alberta government and works closely with the host community to prepare for the event.  The foundation will provide an operating grant of $300,000, a cultural grant of $70,000 and a legacy grant of $50,000 for the 2014 Alberta Winter Games.

“The communities of Banff and Canmore are thrilled to host the 2014 Alberta Winter Games,” said Janis Tarchuk, MLA for Banff-Cochrane. “We have a proven track record in hosting large-scale winter events and are looking forward to showcasing our famous Rocky Mountain hospitality.”

The Alberta Winter Games take place every two years. The next games will be held on February 9-12, 2012 in the Tri-Region West of Edmonton, which includes the City of Spruce Grove, the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County.  For more information, please visit www.albertagames.com